Chapter 049: What Is Gained Here Is Lost Here

Cao Peng had already arranged everything and, after reporting to Cao Cao, received much praise. Cao Cao even promised him a generous reward, saying that once Lü Bu was completely defeated, all the treasures and goods within Xuzhou City would be awarded to him as much as possible.

Without delay, Cao Cao summoned Cao Peng and Guo Jia to accompany him to the front lines for reconnaissance. Since Lü Bu had reached the point where he was abandoned by all, they, too, had to take action. Even if no clever strategy could be devised, a direct assault must be carried out to take the city.

However, upon inspecting the front lines, Cao Cao gazed at the broad river and the surging waters before him, unable to suppress a sigh. “Alas, this city of Xiapi is encircled by water on all sides, with fierce currents. To seize it by force will not be easy at all!”

He winced at the thought; if they truly launched a full assault, who knew how many of his soldiers would perish?

At this moment, Guo Jia remained silent. He had not yet been inspired by the rain to suggest breaching the levee. Though Cao Peng knew of this tactic, he held his tongue, preferring to keep a low profile.

Seeing both men quiet, Cao Cao assumed that his two trusted advisors had no solution, and his disappointment deepened.

Just then, a gentle rain began to fall from the sky.

“My lord, it’s raining. You mustn’t catch a chill. Let us return,” urged Dian Wei, the one responsible for everyone’s safety.

“Very well…” Since there was nothing more to observe, standing in the rain served no purpose.

In truth, Cao Cao had already envisioned the entire city of Xiapi many times in his mind, and had simulated countless scenarios for where to attack. His visit was in hopes of discovering something new.

Suddenly, he noticed Guo Jia standing motionless, lost in thought.

“Fengxiao, have you perhaps devised a brilliant strategy?” Cao Cao’s heart leaped with joy upon seeing this expression; perhaps his favorite strategist had come up with a plan.

“My lord, the rainy season has arrived,” Guo Jia murmured.

Cao Cao was taken aback. This seemingly random statement left him puzzled.

“Yes, the rainy season must be upon us…” He turned to Cao Peng and asked, “Anmin, have you discerned something?”

Outwardly, Cao Peng looked solemn, but inside, joy surged within him. They were about to leave, and Guo Jia had not yet thought of the strategy—she had nearly blurted it out herself.

“Would the Libationer Guo kindly offer another hint? I feel as though I am on the verge of understanding,” Cao Peng replied, knowing that subtlety at this moment was most effective.

Guo Jia’s interest was piqued. Though still young, Cao Peng’s intelligence was already well-known to him. If the youth could deduce the very stratagem he had just conceived, he would truly acknowledge his wisdom.

“Very well. My hint is this: ‘What is gained by this will be lost by this.’”

After Guo Jia spoke, he closely watched Cao Peng’s expression, while Cao Cao looked on in confusion.

“To breach the riverbank and flood Xiapi!” Cao Peng declared simply.

Cao Cao’s face lit up with astonishment and sudden realization. Guo Jia, too, was surprised—their thoughts had indeed coincided, and he now fully acknowledged Cao Peng’s brilliance.

“Haha! With the aid of Fengxiao and Anmin, how could the world not be pacified?” Cao Cao laughed heartily, slinging an arm around each of his treasured advisers.

Upon returning to camp, Cao Cao immediately took command himself, determined to personally oversee the siege of Xiapi. This battle would see the end of Lü Bu, the mightiest of men. All of Xuzhou would be his, and no further worries would remain.

With Xuzhou in his grasp, he would have the strength to contend with Yuan Shao.

He ordered Dian Wei, Xu Chu, Xu Huang, and Zhang He, each to lead ten thousand men, attacking from four directions once Xiapi was flooded.

Cao Peng was again appointed as vanguard general, commanding twenty thousand men, tasked with breaching the riverbank!

Cao Peng was left speechless—though his martial prowess was not as great as that of the other generals, he had wished to lead a cavalry charge and experience the thrill of battle, not to do the toilsome work of digging at the riverbank.

Cao Cao, amused, remarked that since the strategy was conceived by him, it was only fitting that he carry it out himself—for truly, the right person was needed for the right task.